DNA vaccination for prostate cancer: key concepts and considerations

While locally confined prostate cancer is associated with a low five year mortality rate, advanced or metastatic disease remains a major challenge for healthcare professionals to treat and is usually terminal. As such, there is a need for the development of new, efficacious therapies for prostate cancer. Immunotherapy represents a promising approach where the host's immune system is harnessed to mount an anti-tumour effect, and the licensing of the first prostate cancer specific immunotherapy in 2010 has opened the door for other immunotherapies to gain regulatory approval. Among these strategies DNA vaccines are an attractive option in terms of their ability to elicit a highly specific, potent and wide-sweeping immune response. Several DNA vaccines have been tested for prostate cancer and while they have demonstrated a good safety profile they have faced problems with low efficacy and immunogenicity compared to other immunotherapeutic approaches. This review focuses on the positive aspects of DNA vaccines for prostate cancer that have been assessed in preclinical and clinical trials thus far and examines the key considerations that must be employed to improve the efficacy and immunogenicity of these vaccines.

Clinical Outcomes in 3343 Children and Adults with Rheumatic Heart Disease from 14 Low and Middle Income Countries: 2-Year Follow-up of the Global Rheumatic Heart Disease Registry (the REMEDY study)

BACKGROUND: -There are few contemporary data on the mortality and morbidity associated with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) or information on their predictors. We report the two year follow-up of individuals with RHD from 14 low and middle income countries in Africa and Asia.

METHODS: -Between January 2010 and November 2012, we enrolled 3343 patients from 25 centers in 14 countries and followed them for two years to assess mortality, congestive heart failure (CHF), stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), recurrent acute rheumatic fever (ARF), and infective endocarditis (IE).

RESULTS: -Vital status at 24 months was known for 2960 (88.5%) patients. Two thirds were female. Although patients were young (median age 28 years, interquartile range 18 to 40), the two year case fatality rate was high (500 deaths, 16.9%). Mortality rate was 116.3/1000 patient-years in the first year and 65.4/1000 patient-years in the second year. Median age at death was 28.7 years. Independent predictors of death were severe valve disease (hazard ratio (HR) 2.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.80-3.11), CHF (HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.70-2.72), New York Heart Association functional class III/IV (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.32-2.10), atrial fibrillation (AF) (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.10-1.78) and older age (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.02 per year increase) at enrolment. Post-primary education (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.54-0.85) and female sex (HR 0.65, 95%CI 0.52-0.80) were associated with lower risk of death. 204 (6.9%) had new CHF (incidence, 38.42/1000 patient-years), 46 (1.6%) had a stroke or TIA (8.45/1000 patient-years), 19 (0.6%) had ARF (3.49/1000 patient-years), and 20 (0.7%) had IE (3.65/1000 patient-years). Previous stroke and older age were independent predictors of stroke/TIA or systemic embolism. Patients from low and lower-middle income countries had significantly higher age- and sex-adjusted mortality compared to patients from upper-middle income countries. Valve surgery was significantly more common in upper-middle income than in lower-middle- or low-income countries.

CONCLUSIONS: -Patients with clinical RHD have high mortality and morbidity despite being young; those from low and lower-middle income countries had a poorer prognosis associated with advanced disease and low education. Programs focused on early detection and treatment of clinical RHD are required to improve outcomes.

O Efeito da Terapia Cognitivo Comportamental na Anorexia Nervosa: uma meta-análise

Introdução: A Anorexia Nervosa (AN) é a perturbação do comportamento alimentar (PCA) com a maior taxa de mortalidade de todos os transtornos psiquiátricos. Carateriza-se pela recusa em manter um peso corporal normal mínimo, pela distorção da imagem corporal e por um obsessivo medo de ganhar peso. Os comportamentos patológicos a ela associados podem levar a uma semi-inanição que necessita de cuidados médicos pluridisciplinares, muitas vezes, em regime de internamento. Vários ensais clínicos avaliaram a eficácia da Terapia Cognitivo- Comportamental (TCC), indicando que ela favorece a remissão ou a diminuição da frequência de episódios de compulsão alimentar, dos comportamentos purgativos e da restrição alimentar. Objetivo: Combinar os resultados da melhor evidência científica de forma a avaliar a eficácia da TCC em comparação com outras terapias utilizadas no tratamento da AN. Métodos: A pesquisa realizou-se nas bases de dados eletrónicas da MEDLINE, Psyc-Info, Embase, CCTR e de forma manual, incluindo ensaios clínicos controlados randomizados que comparam a TCC com qualquer outro tipo de intervenção no tratamento da AN. Resultados: Foram incluídos 10 estudos que envolveram 957 pacientes: dos quais 571 (59,7%) foram submetidos a tratamento com Terapia cognitivo comportamental e 556 (49,3%) a outras terapias. Não se registaram diferenças significativas nos resultados obtidos em diversos outcomes, exceto nas subescalas Restrições (z=3,03; p=0,02), Preocupações alimentares (z=2,98; p=0,002) e Preocupações com a forma (z=1,71; p=0,09) do EDE e nos scores da escala GAF (z=1,87; p=0,06). Registaram-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas no número de episódios bulímicos (z=2,61; p=0,009), número de episódios de indução de vómito (z=2,11; p=0,03) e no número de episódios de uso indevido de laxantes (z=3,04; p=0,002). Conclusão: A utilização da Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental no tratamento de doentes com AN parece melhorar bastante os sintomas da doença, revelando-se particularmente eficaz nos resultados obtidos na Eating Disorder Examination Scale. A sua utilização parece levar a uma melhoria no scores da GAF, evidenciando uma melhoria geral do estado de saúde dos pacientes (redução dos episódios de vómito, bulimia e uso de laxantes). / Página | viii ABSTRACT Background: Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder with the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric disorders. It is characterized by refusal to maintain a minimally normal body weight, the distortion of body image and obsessive fear of gaining weight. The pathological behaviors associated with it can lead to semi-starvation, requiring medical treatment and multidisciplinary inpatient care. Several clinical trials evaluated the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in lead to remission or reduction of the frequency of bingue eating episodes, purgative behaviors and food restriction. Objective: Combining the results of the best scientific evidence to assess the efficacy of CBT in comparison with other therapies used in the treatment of AN. Methods: The research was carried out in electronic databases of MEDLINE, Psyc- Info, Embase, CCTR and manually, including randomized controlled trials that compared CBT with any other type of intervention in the treatment of AN. Results: Of which 571 (59.7%) were treated with cognitive behavioral therapy and 556 (49.3%) to other therapies: 10 studies involving 957 patients were included. No significant differences in the results obtained in different outcomes, except subscales Restrictions (z = 3.03, p = 0.02), Eating Concerns (z = 2.98, p = 0.002) and Shape Concerns (z = 1.71, p = 0.09) in the scores of EDE and the GAF scale (z = 1.87, p = 0.06). There were statistically significant differences in the number of bulimic episodes (z = 2.61, p = 0.009), number of episodes of induced vomiting (z = 2.11, p = 0.03) and the number of occurrences of use misuse of laxatives (z = 3.04, p = 0.002). Conclusion: The use of cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of patients with AN seems to greatly improve the symptoms of the disease, revealing particularly effective results in the Eating Disorder Examination Scale. Its use seems to lead to an improvement in the GAF scores, showing a general improvement of the health status of patients (reduction of episodes of vomiting, bulimia and laxative use).

Predictive Analytics and Decision Support for Heart Failure patients

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2016-08

Clinical approach of atresia coli in a calf

Atresia coli is a congenital defect with disruption of the intestinal flow. Its etiopathogenesis is still unknown and the prognosis is reserved. This paper describes the case of a one week old Holstein Friesian calf that was referred to the HCVC, and was diagnosed with atresia coli. This confirmation was made by contrast radiography and the lesion was detected in dorsal portion of the spiral colon. A cecostomy was performed followed by a marsupialization of the intestinal cecum to the abdominal wall. After 36 hours of surgery, calf’s state worsens dramatically and for reasons of welfare, it was proceeded to sacrifice. The post-operative recovery is possible, even though the mortality rate is high. As in this case, this mortality rate increases when early diagnosis of atresia coli does not take place and there is peritonitis.

Locus de controle e a efetividade empresarial em microempresários do estado do Rio Grande do Norte

Entrepreneurs are individuals who can transform economic and social realities by promoting development, so it became important tools in generating externalities in regions where they operate. In Brazil, 59.9% of new ventures do not reach the fourth year of life, the mortality rate of new ventures is high. The causes of mortality are numerous, and within the behavioral aspects, one is the locus of control. This study determines the degree of association between internal locus of control and achieving business success of entrepreneurs in Rio Grande do Norte who participated in the workshop EMPRETEC. The approach that studies the behavior entrepreneurs agreed that there are psychological characteristics associated with a set of values, attitudes and needs that determine the behavior and induce the entrepreneur to achieve success. Among these features is the locus of control, a skill that individuals must identify in their actions, or lack of them, the causes of their successes and failures. The locus is external when the individual attributes to factors outside themselves as causes of their results, and is built in when you can identify the actions that led to success. We surveyed 223 entrepreneurs statewide who answered the questionnaire for assessing the scale of locus of control, selfassessment questionnaire of entrepreneurial characteristics of EMPRETEC and a questionnaire assessing the business success. 71.9% were identified as having success. Among the behavioral characteristics strongest in the group of entrepreneurs are setting goals and commitment. Was found for locus of control mean value of 7.35, confidence interval between 7.05 and 7.66. Showing that the locus of control group is predominantly internal. We also found a correlation between the locus and commitment, between setting goals and commitment; calculated risks and information search; search of information and commitment, and between commitment and independence and self confidence. Dependence was not identified among the set of features and business success, determining the absence of an ideal profile. However, logistic regression significant association was found indicating that the smaller the individual's locus of control increased the likelihood of it achieving business success

Mothers’ perception of recovery and satisfaction with patent medicine dealers’ treatment of childhood febrile conditions in rural communities

Background Infant mortality in rural areas of Nigeria can be minimized if childhood febrile conditions are treated by trained health personnel, deployed to primary healthcare centres (PHCs) rather than the observed preference of mothers for patent medicine dealers (PMDs). However, health service utilization/patronage is driven by consumer satisfaction and perception of services/product value. The objective of this study was to determine ‘mothers’ perception of recovery’ and ‘mothers’ satisfaction’ after PMD treatment of childhood febrile conditions, as likely drivers of mothers’ health-seeking behaviour, which must be targeted to reverse the trend. Methods Ugwuogo-Nike, in Enugu, Nigeria, has many PMDs/PHCs, and was selected based on high prevalence of childhood febrile conditions. In total, 385 consenting mothers (aged 15–45 years) were consecutively recruited at PMD shops, after purchasing drugs for childhood febrile conditions, in a cross-sectional observational study using a pre-tested instrument; 33 of them (aged 21–47 years) participated in focus group discussions (FGDs). Qualitative data were thematically analysed while a quantitative study was analysed with Z score and Chi square statistics, at p < 0.05. Results Most participants in FGDs perceived that their child had delayed recovery, but were satisfied with PMDs’ treatment of childhood febrile conditions, for reasons that included politeness, caring attitude, drug availability, easy accessibility, flexibility in pricing, shorter waiting time, their God-fearing nature, and disposition as good listeners. Mothers’ satisfaction with PMDs’ treatment is significantly (p < 0.05) associated with mothers’ perception of recovery of their child (χ2 = 192.94, df = 4; p < 0.0001; Cramer’s V = 0.7079). However, predicting mothers’ satisfaction with PMDs’ treatment from a knowledge of mothers’ perception of recovery shows a high accord (lambda[A from B] = 0.8727), unlike when predicting mothers’ perception of recovery based on knowledge of mothers’ satisfaction with PMDs’ treatment (lambda[A from B] = 0.4727). Conclusions Mothers’ satisfaction could be the key ‘driver’ of mothers’ health-seeking behaviour and is less likely to be influenced by mothers’ perception of recovery of their child. Therefore, mothers’ negative perception of their child’s recovery may not induce proportionate decline in mothers’ health-seeking behaviour (patronage of PMDs), which might be influenced mainly by mothers’ satisfaction with the positive attributes of PMDs’ personality/practice and sets an important agenda for PHC reforms.

Information Presentation Features and Comprehensibility of Hospital Report Cards: Design Analysis and Online Survey Among Users

Background: Improving the transparency of information about the quality of health care providers is one way to improve health care quality. It is assumed that Internet information steers patients toward better-performing health care providers and will motivate providers to improve quality. However, the effect of public reporting on hospital quality is still small. One of the reasons is that users find it difficult to understand the formats in which information is presented. Objective: We analyzed the presentation of risk-adjusted mortality rate (RAMR) for coronary angiography in the 10 most commonly used German public report cards to analyze the impact of information presentation features on their comprehensibility. We wanted to determine which information presentation features were utilized, were preferred by users, led to better comprehension, and had similar effects to those reported in evidence-based recommendations described in the literature. Methods: The study consisted of 5 steps: (1) identification of best-practice evidence about the presentation of information on hospital report cards; (2) selection of a single risk-adjusted quality indicator; (3) selection of a sample of designs adopted by German public report cards; (4) identification of the information presentation elements used in public reporting initiatives in Germany; and (5) an online panel completed an online questionnaire that was conducted to determine if respondents were able to identify the hospital with the lowest RAMR and if respondents’ hospital choices were associated with particular information design elements. Results: Evidence-based recommendations were made relating to the following information presentation features relevant to report cards: evaluative table with symbols, tables without symbols, bar charts, bar charts without symbols, bar charts with symbols, symbols, evaluative word labels, highlighting, order of providers, high values to indicate good performance, explicit statements of whether high or low values indicate good performance, and incomplete data (“N/A” as a value). When investigating the RAMR in a sample of 10 hospitals’ report cards, 7 of these information presentation features were identified. Of these, 5 information presentation features improved comprehensibility in a manner reported previously in literature. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically analyze the most commonly used public reporting card designs used in Germany. Best-practice evidence identified in international literature was in agreement with 5 findings about German report card designs: (1) avoid tables without symbols, (2) include bar charts with symbols, (3) state explicitly whether high or low values indicate good performance or provide a “good quality” range, (4) avoid incomplete data (N/A given as a value), and (5) rank hospitals by performance. However, these findings are preliminary and should be subject of further evaluation. The implementation of 4 of these recommendations should not present insurmountable obstacles. However, ranking hospitals by performance may present substantial difficulties.

Découverte de nouveaux marqueurs pharmacogénomiques de la maladie du greffon contre l'hôte en transplantation de cellules souches hématopoïétiques

La transplantation de cellules souches hématopoïétiques (CSH) constitue une avenue thérapeutique potentiellement curative pour plusieurs cancers hématologiques comme la leucémie. L’utilisation d’une thérapie immunosuppressive pour prévenir la maladie du greffon contre l’hôte (GvHD) est un déterminant majeur du succès de la greffe. Malgré tout, cette complication survient chez 25 à 50% des transplantés et est une cause majeure de mortalité. L’optimisation du régime d’immunosuppression est un facteur facilement modifiable qui pourrait améliorer le pronostic des patients. Particulièrement, les polymorphismes du génome du donneur ou du receveur dans les voies pharmacogénomiques des immunosuppresseurs pourraient influencer l’exposition et l’action de ces médicaments, de même que le pronostic du patient. Le profilage de 20 pharmacogènes prioritaires chez des paires de donneurs-receveurs en greffe de CSH a permis d’identifier des variations génétiques liées au risque de la GvHD aiguë. Principalement, le statut génétique du receveur pour les protéines ABCC1 et ABCC2, impliquées dans le transport du méthotrexate (MTX), ainsi que des cibles moléculaires de ce médicament (ATIC et MTHFR) ont été associées au risque de GvHD aiguë. Similairement, le NFATc1, codant pour une cible moléculaire de la cyclosporine, augmentait lui aussi le risque de la maladie. Les porteurs de deux génotypes à risque et plus étaient particulièrement prédisposés à développer cette complication. Par surcroît, le statut génétique du donneur influençait également le pronostic du receveur après la greffe. Entre autres, des allèles protecteurs ont été identifiés dans les voies liées au transport (SLC19A1) et à l’action du MTX (DHFR). Inversement, NFATc2 a été associé à une augmentation du risque de GvHD aiguë. Afin de mieux comprendre les associations observées entre ces marqueurs génétiques et le risque de GvHD aiguë, une étude prospective innovante est en cours chez des greffés de CSH. Cette étude permettra d’étudier comment la génétique du patient ou du donneur peut influencer la pharmacocinétique et la pharmacodynamie des immunosuppresseurs, de même que leurs liens avec la GvHD aiguë. Ces paramètres sont quantifiés grâce à des approches analytiques que nous avons mises au point afin de répondre aux besoins spécifiques et uniques de cette étude. Les approches proposées dans cette thèse sont complémentaires aux méthodes classiques de suivi des immunosuppresseurs et pourraient aider à optimiser la pharmacothérapie du patient. Une meilleure identification des patients à haut risque de GvHD aiguë avant la greffe, basée sur des marqueurs pharmacogénomiques identitaires, pourrait guider le choix de la prophylaxie immunosuppressive, et ainsi améliorer l’issue clinique de la greffe.

Epidemias bacterianas emergentes do século XXI

As doenças infeciosas distantes de serem um problema do passado têm aumentado drasticamente nestes últimos anos, causando epidemias emergentes, quer de origem bacteriana ou vírica ou de outros tipos de microrganismos. Esta dissertação tem como objetivo uma pesquisa atual bibliográfica sobre o estudo de algumas epidemias bacterianas emergentes do século XXI, como a Tuberculose, Cólera, Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina (MRSA) e Meningite Meningocócica, bem como os seus dados epidemiológicos. A Tuberculose é uma das doenças mais antigas, que apresenta uma elevada taxa de mortalidade e com o passar do tempo tem vindo a aumentar a nível mundial. A TB é causada por uma bactéria denominada Mycobacterium tuberculosis que normalmente afeta os pulmões e outros órgãos. O tratamento, a prevenção e o diagnóstico precoce são pontos essenciais, para ter um bom desfecho para o doente. A Cólera tem-se propagado pelo mundo desde o século XX. Esta doença caracteriza-se por uma diarreia aguda grave que é causada pela bactéria Vibrio cholerae. O seu tratamento se for realizado precocemente é tratado facilmente, com apenas hidratação com sais orais. A prevenção é uma medida essencial para ter um bom prognóstico, e evitar surtos emergentes desta infeção. Devido à sua virulência, Staphylococcus aureus é responsável por infeções graves adquiridas em hospital e na comunidade. Na maioria das vezes esta infeção é assintomática, mas pode causar infeções graves até mesmo fatais. Devido às resistências aos antibióticos β-lactâmicos e de outros tipos de antibióticos, e também devido ao aumento do número crescente de quadros infeciosos de MRSA, houve necessidade de novos antibióticos como o linezolide, as cefasloporinas de 5ª geração no combate a estas infeções. As medidas de prevenção são essenciais, visto que se não forem realizadas pode haver progressão da doença. Além de um estudo científico constante dos mecanismos de resistências desta bactéria, ser essencial. A meningite bacteriana é um grave problema de Saúde Pública devido à alta incidência em crianças. A meningite meningocócica é causada pela bactéria Neisseria meningitidis que origina um processo inflamatório das meninges. Há algum tempo atrás a mortalidade era elevada, mas com o advento da antibioterapia reduziu significativamente. As vacinas fizeram com que ocorresse uma mudança bastante significativa na epidemiologia desta patologia, e mais uma vez a prevenção é essencial.

Long-term outcomes following “presumed” total parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism of chronic kidney disease

Aim. The most efficacious surgical treatment for renal hyperparathyroidism is still subject of research. Considering its low incidence rate of long-term relapse, “presumed” total parathyroidectomy without autotrasplantation (TP) may be indicated for secondary hyperparathyroidism (2HPT) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), not eligible for kidney transplantation. The aim of this study was to analyse the TP long-term results in 2HPT haemodialysis (HD) patients. Method. Between January 2004 and October 2009, 25 2HPT HD patients, not eligible for kidney transplantation, underwent TP of at least four parathyroid glands. Clinical status and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) serum levels were assessed intraoperatively and during a 36-month follow-up. Results. TP improved the typical clinical symptoms and a significant reduction of iPTH serum levels was achieved in each patient. Aparathyroidism was never observed; in case of severe postoperative hypocalcemia, hypocalcemic seizures were never reported and the long-term recurrence rate was 8%. Only one patient received a kidney transplantation. Postoperative cardiovascular events (hypertension, peripheral artery disease, arrhythmia, coronary or cerebrovascular disease) were observed in 32% of cases and mortality rate was 16%. Conclusions. Considering its low long-term relapse rate and the absence of postoperative aparathyroidism, TP may still be considered the treatment of choice in patients with aggressive forms of 2HPT or of advanced dialytic vintage, with no access to renal transplantation. In case of postoperative hypoparathyroidism, hypocalcaemia can be effectively managed by medical treatment.

Características clínicas y epidemiológicas del neumotórax en personas de 18 años y más: Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso y Teófilo Dávila de Machala, 2007-2011

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo- retrospectivo desde enero de 2007 a diciembre del 2011. El universo estuvo constituido por los pacientes de 18 años y más con diagnóstico de Neumotórax, internados en los departamentos de cirugía del Hospital Regional Vicente Corral Moscoso y Hospital Teófilo Dávila. Para el levantamiento de la información se utilizó un formulario previamente diseñado. Los datos se transcribieron de las historias clínicas a los formularios respectivos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 73 pacientes del HTD y 52 del HVCM, el neumotórax de mayor prevalencia fue el traumático con el 85.6% de los casos, izquierdo en el 54.4%; las características clínicas de mayor relevancia fueron: dolor moderado 40.8%; taquicardia 15.2%; desviación de la tráquea hacia la derecha 32.8%; distención de las venas del cuello 38.4%; hipersonoridad 76.8%; murmullo vesicular disminuido 80%; disnea 99.2%; cianosis 22.4%; los método diagnósticos presentaron la siguiente prevalencia: radiografía de tórax 100%; tomografía 27.2% y resonancia en el 0.8% de los casos; el tratamiento fue en el 16% toracocentesis con aspiración de aguja y en el 100% tubo de tórax. La media de días de hospitalización fue de 5 días y la mortalidad fue del 10.4%.- Conclusiones: Se registraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambas instituciones en las características clínicas en cuanto a la procedencia, intensidad del dolor, frecuencia cardiaca, murmullo vesicular disminuido y presentación de cianosis. Además se evidencia una alta mortalidad.au

Caso de estudio. Modelo de gerencia para toma de decisiones en salud perinatal

Con el interés de revisar las estadísticas de salud perinatal a través del análisis de la mortalidad, se propone una metodología de análisis transferida por el CDC de Atlanta y adaptada por el grupo de investigadores de CEMIYA. Esta metodología contempla la fase de gerencia, la conceptualización de la vigilancia epidemiológica y la identificación de los actores del sistema general de seguridad social de salud, además de utilizar herramientas epidemiológicas descriptivas (tasas y proporciones) las cuales definen cuantitativamente el problema. Propone el modelo variables de fácil recolección contenidas en los registros vitales de obligatorio diligenciamiento. Por último ilustra las causas básicas y directas de defunción permitiendo definir intervenciones específicas que apuntan a la solución de los problemas identificados. El caso permite que el lector se introduzca en la instrumentación del modelo con cifras de su institución o región de acuerdo con los datos disponibles.

A prematuridade e sua inter-relação com a rede de atenção à saúde

A prematuridade é um problema de saúde pública que está intimamente ligada aos índices de mortalidade infantil. Para que se consiga solucionar esse problema é necessário o preparo do sistema de saúde em atender as necessidades das gestantes e por meio de uma eficaz assistência pré-natal sejam identificados precocemente os fatores de risco na gestante, de forma a possibilitar uma intervenção efetiva, caso seja necessário. Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar a inter-relação entre as alterações de saúde e complicações gestacionais que costumam estar relacionadas à ocorrência do parto prematuro e a rede de atenção à saúde disponibilizada às gestantes. Estudo quantitativo longitudinal, do tipo estudo de caso-controle. O local foi município do Rio Grande – RS e os contextos de estudo referem-se às maternidades dos dois hospitais existentes no município, Hospital Universitário Dr. Miguel Riet Corrêa Jr. e Associação de Caridade Santa Casa. Esta pesquisa trabalhou com dados secundários, com a coleta realizada no banco de dados da pesquisa intitulada “Parto prematuro: estudo dos fatores associados para construção de estratégias de prevenção”, do Grupo de Pesquisa Viver Mulher, da Escola de Enfermagem, da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande. A população da pesquisa foram mulheres que apresentaram seu parto de forma prematura (casos) e mulheres com parto a termo (controles) em momento imediatamente posterior às que têm parto prematuro, durante os meses de novembro e dezembro de 2013, totalizando 29 casos e 29 controles. A coleta de dados foi iniciada em 01 de novembro e finalizada em 31 de dezembro, sendo realizada por integrantes do Grupo de Pesquisa Viver Mulher. A análise dos dados se deu por meio da estatística descritiva simples, com medidas de frequência, para que se consiga visualizar a presença de complicações e presença de tratamento aos agravos de saúde e como foi organizada a rede de atenção à saúde nos casos e controles e assim constatar a relação das causas e dos efeitos nestes dois grupos. Os aspectos éticos envolvendo pesquisas com seres humanos foram respeitados, bem como se obteve aprovação dos comitês de ética das instituições envolvidas, parecer n° 134/2013 CEPAS – FURG, parecer n° 05/2013 CEPAS – Santa Casa

Cycles saisonniers, reproduction et qualite des ovocytes chez Pecten maximus en rade de Brest

This work is part of the program, "recruitment determinism in scallops" initiated in 1992 by the "Contrat de Baie". The aim of this research was to explain interannual abundance fluctuations observed for Pecten maximus, in the Bay of Brest. To this end an analytical approach to the life cycle of the species was undertaken to determine its critical phases. A phase may be considered as "critical" if the mortality rate at its level varies from one year to the other. Using data from 1989 to 1994, a precise time-table of the "physiological year" of the scallop in the Bay of Brest was determined. Fecundity and gamete production kinetics were estimated from the annual variation in the weight indices of the gonad. In the laboratory, egg quality was estimated following stimulated spawning of newly caught individuals. The digestive activity was estimated by amylase activity measurements during a three year period. Spawning lasts 6 months in the Bay of Brest from March to October. Spawning, muscle and digestive gland growths, are intimately linked to phytoplancton blooms. Gonad production shows a maximum in April-May, and two relative minima in Match and November. These results, which provide detailed understanding of the adult's annual cycle in the Bay of Brest, will be used to interpret the relationship between the annual cycle and larval and post larval abundance and survival. Already, these results are being used to improve spat production in hatcheries.